Best all round estate car for around 20k

[Chris-1e43g]

I'm looking at changing our family car for something a bit nicer. I currently have a 2018 Suzuki Vitara sport with the 1.4l turbo engine from the swift sport. It's a great car that's fun and hasn't missed a beat, but now i'm finding out i want something with a bit of a bigger boot and also something a bit nicer inside. I don't need an SUV so i'm thinking I can get more for my money by going with an estate but I'm pretty flexible if something fits the bill.

Requirements:
- 2016 ish and newer. Going to be financing via PCP, I know there's a lot of hate but it fits my requirements
- Around 20-22k which equates to about 350pm with a £3k deposit
- Needs to be special in some sort of way. Either luxurious, full of kit, great drive etc. Not all of those but I'd like at least one
- Max 70k miles but ideally a bit lower
- Doing about 8k miles per year, not fussed about fuel type or gearbox but it needs to match. i.e. luxury should really have an auto box

Considering the following:
- C class or E class estate
- Volvo v60 or V90
- BMW 5 series touring

For example an E class would be a nice luxury drive, although I also like the look of a v60 polestar although they're rare and a bit out of budget. Really open to suggestions! Have also considered a 2020 focus ST but I dont know if its a bit too small. Did also think about a Leon 280-290 etc but outright speed isnt something i'm after and it dosent seem to have much else about it.

[Type R Tom]

Golf R estate is in that range.

Don't know if you need an estate for any other reason than space (dog?) but a bit left field as these have a big boot and are hatch. Fits the rest of the criteria I would say.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303295...

[scot_aln]

I was expecting to see an R in that link

[krisdelta]

E Class at that price point, unless you were willing to go older and get a 204 C63 wagon - which is luxurious and very fast too.

[SWoll]

CLS Shooting Brake?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305217...

XF Sportbrake?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305127...

[Chris-1e43g]

So I've omitted the Golf R from the list as I've had a 5 door hatch version in the past. It was a nice car but I like trying different cars.

I really struggle to get over the 5GT proportions so I could never have one.

CLS is a contender although the interior doesn't look at nice as the E class, would there be much difference between the two otherwise?

I'd consider the XF but I've had one in the past (same 3l D S) and I'm not convinced of their reliability. It really does look nice though.

A bit left field is the Kia Stinger 2.0L. I've had a 3.3 GTS before but not sure if it would be too much of a downgrade to go to the 2L.

Then there's always an Alfa Giulia Veloce, not a hatch which would mean the dog would have to sit in the back seats, not sure if the space compromise is worth it?

I think at the minute the E class seems like it might be the best fit. There's always the Octavia VRS/Superb 280 but I don't think they're the nicest inside

[Type R Tom]

You mentioned the V60 Polestar, if you can live with older and an import, you can get a T6 AWD for around 10k

https://stock.bhpimports.com/stock/

I have one from here and very pleased with it, 75% of the Polestar for 50% of the cost.

[SWoll]

Chris-1e43g said:

So I've omitted the Golf R from the list as I've had a 5 door hatch version in the past. It was a nice car but I like trying different cars.

I really struggle to get over the 5GT proportions so I could never have one.

CLS is a contender although the interior doesn't look at nice as the E class, would there be much difference between the two otherwise?

I'd consider the XF but I've had one in the past (same 3l D S) and I'm not convinced of their reliability. It really does look nice though.

A bit left field is the Kia Stinger 2.0L. I've had a 3.3 GTS before but not sure if it would be too much of a downgrade to go to the 2L.

Then there's always an Alfa Giulia Veloce, not a hatch which would mean the dog would have to sit in the back seats, not sure if the space compromise is worth it?

I think at the minute the E class seems like it might be the best fit. There's always the Octavia VRS/Superb 280 but I don't think they're the nicest inside

Wasn't thinking but 100% the E-Class interior is better for the years you are looking at as gets the newer layout vs the older one in the CLS.

If you could consider a saloon rather than estate as suggested above the BMW 6 Series Grancoupe has a lot to recommend it.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301303...

Looks good, lovely inside, drives well, lots of performance.

[scot_aln]

Chris-1e43g said:

There's always the Octavia VRS/Superb 280 but I don't think they're the nicest inside

The laurin and klement trim is a bit of step up in the Skoda.

[demic]

I have a V60 at the moment, a D4 auto with the Polestar remap. It is a lovely place to sit and cover the miles, better built than the F31 3 series I had a while ago. Mine is ex Volvo so it’s got pretty much every option but the engine and gearbox really let it down. The engine is coarse when worked and the gearbox is very dim witted. When you’re cruising along it’s fine, refined and quiet but getting there can be a frustrating experience.

The mk4 Focus is actually bigger in side than the V60, I’ve owned one of these as well. I’d suggest you go and sit in one though because they are very cheap and nasty inside with lots of poor quality materials and dubious fit and finish, even when you take into account the different price points these cars occupy.

[AyBee]

scot_aln said:

Chris-1e43g said:

There's always the Octavia VRS/Superb 280 but I don't think they're the nicest inside

The laurin and klement trim is a bit of step up in the Skoda.

My old L&K 280 was getting a leather repair at a local chap who also works for the local Ferrari main dealer. Whilst there, a BMW dealer MD who was visiting saw the rear bench on the worktop and asked the chap what it was from since he was so impressed by the quality of the leather...make of that what you will.

So Superb 280 L&K gets my vote.